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Previously…Melanie explains away the incriminating message left by Sibyl on her voicemail. Readers voted that Sibyl then shows up to court and turns on Melanie.

Episode 15

After Melanie’s testimony, the court adjourned for lunch. Melanie brushed past Jade on her way back to her seat and Jade had to remind herself to glare evilly as she passed by. In truth, she really didn’t know how to feel about the testimony. Melanie’s explanation for the phone message seemed weak at best, and wouldn’t stand up at all without Sibyl’s support. Jade looked around as people began to dissipate – William was speaking quietly to Sebastian and Melanie had hurried out, dialing a number on her phone. She decided it would be wise for her to wait until most people had left before walking over to get her sandwich, so she watched the other spectators file out, wondering what connection they all had to the case.

Almost everyone was gone and Jade had just decided it was safe to leave herself when she noticed a woman slip in through the far door. She was tall, dressed in a white suit with silvery blond hair brushing her broad shoulders. She had high cheekbones and cobalt blue eyes, and from the stunning resemblance to her brother, Jade knew instantly that Sibyl Downing had finally arrived. Both William and Sebastian looked up as she entered, but neither acknowledged her; the prosecutor, on the other hand, rushed over and began speaking to her in urgent tones. She inclined her head toward him, but her eyes flickered over the courtroom and settled on Jade, who unfortunately was staring openly at her. The two women locked eyes for a moment. Sibyl wore a hard-to-identify expression. It was almost as if she wanted to smile, but the next second her face looked stone cold. After a few strange seconds Jade broke her gaze and, grabbing her purse, she ducked out of the courtroom.

Fifty minutes later, court was back in session. Sibyl sat in the back with her younger sister Ava. Jade noticed Melanie glancing back repeatedly, but Sibyl either didn’t see or wasn’t acknowledging her. The prosecutor stood to call his next witness.

“The prosecution calls Sibyl Downing.”

Finally, Jade thought. Half the courtroom twisted around in their seats to watch as Sibyl walked to the witness stand, poised and confident.

“Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”

“I do.”

The prosecutor cleared his throat.

“You are the defendant’s sister, is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“The court has just heard testimony, Ms. Downing, that you and the defendant’s ex-wife, a Ms. Melanie Davis, have been in contact somewhat regularly. We heard a voicemail message you left for Ms. Davis which, according to her, concerned your plans to set up your sister Ava on a date with a friend of yours. Is this testimony true?”

Sibyl finally looked at Melanie, who was tapping her fingers on the bench next to Jade.

“No.” She shook her head and sighed. “I’m sorry, but Ms. Davis is lying to you.”WIN $50 Amazon gift certificates by voting WEEKLY! Enter your address each time to be eligible to win. Vote below on what will happen next or if reading by email click view poll.